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View Full Version : Corbin Seat on a GS - And a Dean-O Sighting



GPM
04-08-2006, 10:39 AM
I think Jeff was curious as to what I would think of the Corbin seat on my new R1200GS. If not, well there are enough new GS owners here now that this may be of some benefit.

I received the new seat Wednesday afternoon and installed it as it was shipped, with the adjustment rods in the high position. I jumped on the bike and rocked it off the center stand. Holy Tiptoes Batman!! Back on the center stand, yank off the seat and move the rods to the low position. Note for prospective buyers, both front and rear adjustment rods are attached with 2, 13mm bolts. Not a big deal, five minute swap.

Went for a 330 mile ride yesterday. As far as comfort, I'm quite sure the Corbin is going to work fine for me. I've heard a lot about how hard Corbin seats are. I guess its true, but the support is excellent and at the end of the day, no pain. Corbin recommends a 1500 mile break in for the seat to fully conform to your anatomy.

Now the downside. Even with the seat in the low position I can not fully flat foot the bike. At a touch over 6'2", I've never had that happen. I imagine for shorter folks, that may not seem so disconcerting, but it sure is unusual for me. Its like the first couple of hundred miles on a new bike. I just don't feel as comfortable and in control. I'm guessing that I'll adjust, although that seems to take a bit longer the older I get. The problem is that the Corbin is considerably wider at the front than the stock seat. While I'm sure the added thigh support adds to the comfort of the seat, it certainly hinders the reach to the ground.

I think the seat is going to work out fine for me, once I learn to adequately balance on one flat foot and one toe. The comfort once underway is MUCH BETTER than the stock seat.

As an aside, I ran into our own Dean-O in Show Low. A gracious gentleman who offered an insight into some of the nuances of the new boxer engine and even invited us to his beautiful home. An offer I fully intend to accept this summer.

Now for those who have heard of Dean's riding prowess, let me just report that the last I saw of Dean was when I blew past him as I was leaving Show Low. Now he may counter that he was in his Jeep and that he was making a right turn at the time. Well, he has his version of the story and I have mine, and I'm sticking to it.

Deans BMW
04-08-2006, 10:55 AM
It was great seeing Harry and his friends. His new GS is the cleanest GS that I have ever seen, a beautiful red and silver. Sat on his new seat and farted a few times to hasten the break in..................

I can't wait to have a few Arizona rides up here with the Az. Cafe contingent. How about an over nite in Alpine some day.................

BobFV1
04-08-2006, 11:21 AM
Harry -

Chris Life and I were messing around with his bike, a regular 1200 like yours, and my new one, the Adventure, in the Victory tent yesterday at Bike Week. The Adventure has a "special" seat with a LOT of padding - it is fairly high and at 5 11 I could almost but not quite flat foot it even when it was set in the low position. We then took Chris' BMW factory low GS seat and put it on the Adventure and it felt real good - it was just a tad low for me as I got the feeling I was sitting "in" the bike and being pushed forward a little bit - sort of how I felt on my old R1150R.

I am interested in seeing your Corbin, once Dean-O's fart gas is fully aired out of it!

Bones
04-08-2006, 05:58 PM
Harry,
Great review.

I got a Corbin seat for my GS last season. I am 5'7". You do the math. Yes, I needed to call my wife into the garage to bring me a parachute so I could get back to the ground safely.

I was impressed with the saddle, but how the hell they think anyone shorter than Abraham Lincoln could touch the ground with that thing, I will never know.

I sent it back. I am currently using an Alaska Sheepskin Buttpad and it seems to be working OK. I have the BMW low seat. I would like something firmer and flatter, but not any higher or wider than what I have. I don't think it exists yet.

Thanks for the review.

Jeff

Wild Will
04-08-2006, 09:36 PM
I chose Sargent Cycle to re-do the seat on my GS. I've had some problems with Corbins working for me in the past. Adding height via a new seat can ruin a perfect marriage with a new mechanical mistress. Sargent is in Fla. and quality is top notch.

DarthRider
04-10-2006, 10:51 PM
Well I think my fluffy butt deserves a Sargent!

Dave